Interview by Virginia Robatto at gianlucadimarzio.com
Ever since he began his Premier League experience, Andrea Ranocchia has started to discover himself in new ways. As he explained to gianlucadimarzio.com: “Starting from my first day in the Hull City locker room, I was forced to stand on a chair and sing a song. I thought: ‘What do I sing?’ So I went with the Italian National anthem”.
Speaking of Italy: “I decided to accept the offer from Hull City to try and earn myself a spot in the National team, but at this time my priority is to live this experience to its fullest. Inter? I had good relations with Pioli, just like all previous coaches. I’m not one to cause trouble in the changing rooms, I put effort in everything I do, on and off the pitch”.
A crucial factor in his decision was a phone call from Marco Silva: “He called me to talk about the current project, which I instantly fell in love with. Not to mention my teammates had spoken highly of the Premier League. I can confirm that they were right in what they were saying. I still struggle with English to this day. Even worst is driving on the opposite side of the road: My first day I was a mess, I took the wrong exit twice in the same day”.
On the differences in football between the two countries: “Italian football is much more tactical. In England there isn’t much of it: It’s all about instinct and power. Players are extremely strong physically, and they’re all rapid. I’m adapting well, and the merit also goes to Italian football schools; the best in the world”.
Ranocchia has decided to live in Leeds with his girlfriend: One hour from the training grounds. His days are spent on the field and studying: “I got a teacher to learn English: We have six hours of lesson per week. The problem is when my teammates speak to each other: that’s where I struggle. They’re all really helpful. I was definitely a bit lost at the start, but everything is going well now. Our goalie is from Switzerland so his Italian is decent, whereas Abel Hernandez I’ve known from the time he spent at Palermo as an opponent”.
Speaking of opponents: “The toughest one to mark was Milito. Good thing that after a year he came to play with me at Inter. Italy? I miss the sun: I haven’t seen it in a month. It rains basically every day”.
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